chapter xv education and culture historical...
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CHAPTER XV
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Historical Background
Kurukshetra remained a great seat of learning during ancient
period. A major part of Vedic literature, including the Brahmanas, the
Aranvakas, the Upinshadas and the Canoncial Sutras, was composed
on the banks of the sacred river Saraswati where Rishis lived with
large number of their disciples. A detailed scrutiny of the
Mahabharata leaves us in no doubt that a major portion of the great
epic was also composed here. Lord Krishna recited Gita in the
battlefield of Kurukshetra and Manu wrote his great smriti
(Manusmriti) sitting on the banks of the Saraswati at Prithudaka
(modern Pehowa).
The Ashramas of ancient Rishis were the most important
centres for study of subjects which formed bed rock of ancient Indian
culture, namely, religion, philosophy and ethics. According to Vaman
Purana, the hermitages of Vishvamitra and Vasistha, the vedic sages,
were located in Kurukshetra region. These hermitages used to be the
seat of learning where pupils from different parts of the country
gathered together for instructions in divine knowledge.1 Mahabharta
also tells about numerous hermitages where pupils from distant and
different parts of the country gathered for instructions around far-
famed teachers.2
The object of ancient Gurukul system of education was three-
fold; the acquisition of knowledge, the inculcation of social duties and
religious rites and above all, the formation of character. The teacher
was the central figure, the very pivot of the educational system. He
was the sole incharge of his moral, mental and physical upbringing.
The teacher was the most revered person, who was considered by the
pupils to be above their parents.
1 Datta V.N. and Phadke H.A., History of Kurukshetra, 1984, p.157. 2 Majumdar R.C., The History and Culture of the Indian People, Vol. II, The Age of
Imperial Unity, 1960, p.589.
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 350
The then district was a great centre of learning in 7th century
during the reign of Harsha. Bana Bhat has described Sthaniswara
(Thanesar) as a place where students concentrated in their special
clubs (Vita Rosthi)1. Hiuen Tsiang, the Chinese traveller, has also
mentioned of the existence of three monasteries at Thanesar with
about 7,000 priests.2 In the Buddhist system, education was imparted
in the monastery, giving scope to a collective life and spirit,
brotherhood and democracy among the many monks who came under
a common discipline and instruction.
Thus education was widely popular during the age of Harsha.
He himself had literary and artistic talent and was a great patron of
learning. He took personal interest in the spread and advancement of
learning and education. According to Hiuen Tsiang, one fourth of the
income from Royal land was reserved to reward high intellectual
eminence. Men of learning were held in high esteem by him. From
conversation between Bana and his Kinsmen and several other
references in the literature, it becomes quite clear that the age of
Harsha was remarkably important for the spread and popularization of
education and high standard of learning.3
Bana has also made mention of many kinds of gosthis. There
were Vidvaoosthi where discussions about the knowledge of the
Blameless one (i.e. Brahma) were held. Another was Kavyagosthi
where discussions were held on literary topics. Like these gosthis,
there were many other Vayakhan mandala and Vidagdha mandalas,
which are mentioned very often in Bana’s Harshacharita and
Kadambri. These study circles and intellectual discourses provided
people with enough food for intellectual and aesthetic nourishment.4
From the inscriptions, popular literature, contemporary literary
creations and the accounts of Chinese pilgrim, it can be concluded that
Sanskrit was the main language of the period. The people, who were
highly qualified in the study of Sanskrit grammer and lived in cultural
and refined atmosphere, spoke good Sanskrit.5
1 Aggarwal V.S., The Deeds of Harsha, pp.77-78. 2 Phadke H.A., Hiuen Tsiang on Kurukshetra and Thanesar, Punjab History
Conference, Patiala, 1975, Proceedings. 3 Sharma Brij Nath, Harsha and His Times, 1970, pp. 461-62. 4 Ibid, pp. 463-64 5 Ibid, pp. 448-49.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
351
With the onset of foreign invasions, the Hindu cultural and
educational pattern described above was thrown into disarray
everywhere. During medieval period, the pattern of education
underwent a sea change. Schooling, as such, came entirely in the
hands of Muslims who, besides teaching the Quarran in the mosques
gave instruction in the Persian classics, as also in the writing of letter
and documents. Gurukuls of the old type in which Brahman boys
learnt Sanskrit and received a predominantly religious training were
few and far between. Besides, there were Mahajani schools where
sons of Hindu shopkeepers were taught to keep accounts and read and
write the traders script (Lande). During Mughal period, Thanesar
remained an important centre of Muslim learning. Dara Shikoh built a
madrasa at Thanesar near tomb of Sheikh Chehli in 1661 A.D.1
Besides, there was madrasa at Shahabad.2
Education of women was particularly neglected during
medieval period. No regular separate schools seem to have existed for
imparting education to girls who had their early lessons usually from
their parents. The rich appointed tutors to teach their daughters at
home.
Before the introduction of western education in the mid 19th
century, the indigenous system of education, as prevalent in other
parts of the state, was followed in the district. Wynyard in his
settlement report gives a vivid description of such institutions in the
then Thanesar and Ambala Districts. According to him, these were of
six kinds: Maktabs, where Persian and Arabic was taught; chatsalas,
where Hindi was taught; pathshalas where Nagri and Shastri was
tought; places in which Gurmukhi was taught and finally modern type
of schools in which English was tought.3 But in 1853, there was no
institution in the district teaching English.
1 Pran Nath Chopra, Social Life During the Mughal Age (1526-1707), 1963,
p. 148. 2 Yadav K.C., Haryana Ka Itihas, Vol. II, 1981, p.191 3 W. Wynyard, Report on the Revised Settlement of the Southern Paraganas of the
District of Ambala in the Cis-Sutlej States, 1859, pp. 89-91. The description has
been repeated in Ambala District Gazetteer, 1883-84.
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 352
The following table gives the number of indigenous
institutions in the then Thanesar district in 1853:-1
Kind of Institution No. of Schools No. of Teachers
Persian 29 29
Hindi 19 19
Sanskrit 4 4
Arabic 12 12
Gurmukhi 1 -
Teaching in the Maktabs was entirely in the hands of Maulvis,
who, besides teaching the Quarran in the mosque, gave instructions in
Persian classics, as also in the writing of letters and documents. In
addition to the maktabs and pathshalas, there were some Mahajani
schools.
In 1883-84, three middle schools in the district were located at
Thanesar, Shahabad and Ladwa.2 Besides, there were some primary
schools. The number of middle schools remained the same even upto
1918. In 1918, the vernacular middle schools at Thanesar and
Shahabad were maintained by respective Municipal Committees and
the one at Ladwa by District Board. There was also a branch school at
Shahabad. The middle school at Ladwa had boarding facilities also.
There were also some primary schools in the district which were
maintained by the District Board.3
Education was not particularly popular with the majority of the
agricultural classes in the then Kurukshetra district. But efforts were
made by the Government to attract the rural boys towards educational
system. Even the Government had to grant financial aid to such
school for this purpose.
Though the number of educational institutions in the areas now
comprising Kurukshetra district increased in the subsequent years, but
the real breakthrough took place only after independence. Educational
1 W. Wynyard, Report on the Revised Settlement of the Southern Paraganas of the
District of Ambala in the Cis-Sutlej States, 1859, pp. 89-91. The description has
been repeated in Ambala District Gazetteer, 1883-84. 2 Ambala District Gazetteer, 1883-84, p,62. 3 Karnal District Gazetteer, 1918, p, 206.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
353
backwardness of the district in pre-independence period can be
gauged from the fact that there was no college for higher education
before 1947. After independence, the importance of education was
realized and special efforts were made for the spread of education
among masses.
Under various Five Year Plans, special emphasis was laid on
the spread of education among hitherto educationally neglected
sections of the society particularly among women and Scheduled
Castes. Moreover, with the passage of time, the initial prejudice of
people against the western system of education also disappeared. As a
result of keen interest taken by the Government and voluntary
organizations, a number of new educational institutions were opened
in the district. Opening of Kurukshetra University at Kurukshetra in
1956 was really a landmark in the field of education which brought
significant changes in the educational scenario of the district. The
progress made by the district in the field of school education since its
formation in 1973 can be seen in the following table:-
Number of Students Year High/
Higher/
Sr. Sec.
Schools
Middle
Schools
Primary
Schools
Boys Girls Total
1973-74 81 56 360 88,091 37,487 1,25,578
1980-81 110 60 536 1,09,033 52,649 1,61,681
1985-86 143 81 586 1,19,575 70,426 1,90,001
1990-91 77 52 331 64,619 48,876 1,13,495
1993-94 83 56 489 84,082 64,930 1,49,012
1998-99 132 87 549 88,247 70,051 1,58,298
2000-01 144 94 559 85,409 69,596 1,55,005
2001-02 144 94 560 81,913 66,941 1,48,854
2002-03 144 94 560 81,913 66,941 1,48,854
2003-04 164 90 569 89,105 72,336 1,61,441
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 354
In 2004-05, there were 879 different types of educational
institutions in the district which included a University, 10 degree
colleges, National Institute of two Engineering Colleges &
Technology Colleges, 157 High/Senior Secondary Schools, 90 Middle
Schools, 613 Primary Schools, one Ayurvedic College, 3 Industrial
Training Institutes/ Schools and one Pharmacy Institute.
District Education Setup
The District Education Officer, Kurukshetra is responsible for
the administration and control of all Middle, High and Secondary
Schools. He is directly under the administrative control of the
Commissioner & Director General , School Education, Haryana,
Chandigarh. The District Education Officer, Kurukshetra is assisted
by an Additional District Education Officer-cum-District Elementary
Education Officer, Deputy District Education Officers (one each at
Thanesar, and Pehowa) and 3 Block Education Officers. The
operation of each Block Education Officer is normally co-terminus
with the development Block. An Assistant Education Officer looks
after the promotion of physical education in Primary and Middle
Schools. There are two District Supervisors one for science and
another for mathematics for guidance and supervision of these
subjects in the schools. The District Primary Education Officer is
responsible for administration and control of all Primary Schools in
the district. He is directly under the control of Director of Elementary
Education, Haryana, Chandigarh.
General Education
The District Board and Municipal Committees also contributed
to the spread of education and did pioneer work in the field of
elementary education. The number of primary and middle schools
maintained by the local bodies prior to the provincialisation of schools
on October 1, 1957, is given below:-
Name of the Local Body Primary schools Middle Schools
Boys Girls Boys Girls
Municipal Committee Thanesar 2 1 - 1
Municipal Committee Shahabad 3 4 - -
Municipal Committee, Ladwa - - - 1
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
355
As a consequence of provincialisation, the local bodies were
required to pay their contribution annually to the Government towards
the maintenance of the provincialised schools.
The position in respect of different grades of schools as well as
colleges imparting higher education is discussed below:-
Pre-Primary Education
Pre-primary education caters to the need of children in the age
group of 3-5 years. The system of pre-primary education is in
developing stage and is yet to be well organized. Many Nursery
Schools have been opened in urban areas by private bodies. There is
no pre-primary of nursery school run by the Government. However,
Child Welfare Council runs two Balwaris at Shahabad and Ladwa.
Primary Education
The course of primary education covers children in the age
group of 6-11 years and consists of five classes i.e. from Class I to
Class V. Since April, 1961, primary education has been made
compulsory. The education at this stage is imparted free and all such
schools are co-educational. Teachers are provided at the pupil-teacher
ratio of 41:4. Single teacher schools are very few and function only in
villages and habitations with a small population because in such
schools, the number of students is also small. Most of the teachers are
either basic trained or oriented to the basic pattern. In March, 2004,
there were 569 Primary Schools in the district.
Middle Education
Education at the middle stage covers children of age group of
11-14 years and consists of classes VI to VIII. The pupil teacher ratio
of 32:5 has been adopted for this stage and the education is free in all
government schools. In March, 2004, there were 90 Middle Schools
in the district including Government and non-Govt. There were 86
Middle Schools for boys and 4 for girls.
Secondary Education (10+2 Pattern Of Education)
The 10+2 pattern of education was introduced in the State
from April 1, 1985. The existing Higher Secondary Schools were
converted into Senior Secondary Schools. This system has a terminal
character for majority of students. It provides a preparatory stage for
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 356
those who intend to pursue higher education in colleges. Senior
Secondary Schools provide diversified courses in humanities, science,
commerce, commercial art and home science. The scheme of SUPW
(Socially Useful Productive Work) has also been introduced to meet
the requirements of those who wish to earn their livelihood after
completing the senior secondary course. In March, 2004, there were
164 High/ Senior Secondary Schools in the district including
Government and non-Govt. There were 156 High/ Senior Secondary
Schools for boys and 8 for girls.
To provide vocational base and to make education job-
oriented, emphasis has been laid on teaching of technical skill at the
secondary stage of education. For this purpose 10+2 Vocational
Education Institutes have been started by Industries Department at
Kurukshetra and Pehowa. Besides imparting office Secretaryship,
electrical domestic appliances, banking assistants, two and three
wheeler repairer, agriculture mechanics and lineman are provided in
the above institutes.
Medium of Instructions
The medium of instructions in the schools of the district is
Hindi. The teaching of Hindi as a medium of instructions and first
language starts from class I. English is taught from Class VI as a
second language. Sanskrit or Punjabi is taught as a third language in
classes VII to VIII. However, a few private schools, which had
Punjabi as the medium of instructions prior to the formation of
Haryana in 1966, have been allowed to continue instructions through
the medium of Punjabi. To provide safeguards to the linguistic
minorities, provision has also been made for the teaching of Urdu/
Punjabi as an additional subject from class I provided 10 pupils in a
class or 40 in whole of a Primary School or primary section of a
Middle, High or Senior Secondary School are desirous of studying
this language. But the medium of instructions and the first language
even for such schools remains Hindi.
Higher Education
Higher education remained neglected in the district prior to
independence. It was started in 1956 when Kurukshetra University
came into being as a Sanskrit University. In March, 2004, there were
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
357
9 colleges in the district. Out of these, two were run by Kurukshetra
University and the rest by religious and social organizations. Two of
these colleges were exclusively for girls. A brief account of the
university and the colleges is given below:-
Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra.- Established in 1956,
Kurukshetra University was originally planned as a seat of oriental
Asian thought and learning. It was set up as a residential university
and initially, it had only Department of Sanskrit. It became a multi-
faculty university in 1961. At present, it has faculties of Arts and
Languages, Sciences, Social Science, Indological Studies, Education,
Engineering and Technology, Law, Commerce, Management and
Ayurvedic Medicines. As on March, 2007, the university had 45
teaching departments.
It remained a residential university till 1974 but became an
affiliating university on June 30,1974 when all colleges of Haryana
were affiliated to it. The colleges at Rohtak were withdrawn from this
university on May 1, 1976 and affiliated to Maharishi Dayanand
University, Rohtak. From March 31, 2007, the Kurukshetra University
has had its educational jurisdiction over 11 districts of Ambala,
Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Panipat, Yamuna Nagar,
Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind and Sirsa. There are 215 colleges out of which
44 colleges are exclusively for girls. About 1,56,062 students were
receiving education in these colleges, besides 9,048 students of
the University Campus in various teaching departments. On the
University campus itself, there are two colleges maintained by the
university, the University College and University College of
Education.
The campus of the university sprawls on 400 acres of land
against in idyllic background of rural charm and is situated at a
distance of about two kilometers from Thanesar town. With vast open
grounds and with its modern buildings and hostels, the campus is
practically a healthy place, highly conducive to the promoting quality
academic and research work. The site near the sacred Brahmsarover
was chosen by the sponsors of the university for its historical and
spiritual significance.
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 358
The university has been continuously adding new courses and
departments. The Departments of Geology, Electronic Sciences,
Atmosphere and Oceanographic Science (Meteorology) and Tourism
had been distinctive additions in the past few years. Sanction has
been obtained for opening the Departments of Bio-chemistry and
Microbiology.
During 1990-91, the Government of Haryana sanctioned grants
for the Institution of Lord Mahavir Chair of Jain studies and a chair in
the name of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. These chairs have been
allocated to the Institute of Sanskrit and Indological Studies and the
Department of Political Science respectively.
The University publishes four Research Journals, namely,
Praci-Jyoti, Kurukshetra University Research Journal, Journal of
Haryana Studies and Sambhavana. To this a journal at Drama Studies
has also been added, it is published under the aegis of Dr. Sarup Singh
Chair in the English Department. The University attaches special
importance to research and a large number of scholars supported by
various funding agencies are engaged in research in different
disciplines.
Committed in offering quality education, Kurukshetra
University establish the Jawahar Lal Nehru Library having a plinth
area of 49,230 Sq. ft. and having the facility of 370 seats in reading
areas on different floors of the library and 100 seats in the Rear
Reading Hall. The University Library and its extension as Department
Libraries are managed by well qualified professional and supporting
staff to fulfill the information and library needs of its users. The
extension of the centrally air-conditioned library building is in
progress.
The library has 3,16,028 documents including 5,074 manu-
scripts. 5698 more manuscripts have been added during this year
under National Mission for Manuscripts Programmes, Department of
Culture, Ministry of HRD, Government of India. It subscribes to 450
journals on print media (Foreign and Indian) and 200 journals of
gratis. In addition to print media, University has the facility of access
to the 6 data based and above 2000 online journals under UGC-
Infonet Programme. The library facilities are provided throughout
the year (except on 6 National/Gazetted Holidays). During the
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
359
examination days, the library remains open round the clock and rest of
the days from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 midnight, whereas Rear Reading Hall
is kept open throughout the year.
The centrally air-conditioned computer lab. of ERNET section
is equipped with 2 mbps leased line internet connectivity in addition
to leased line of 512 kbps and VSAT connectivity of 128 kbps. About
1000 teachers and students are using the facility of internet services
daily. The lab. is furnished with modular furniture, structured
networking cabling facilities and latest library application software.
The lab has the facility of SPSS- a statistical software with a capacity
of 25 floating users. This center also provides internet services. The
development of KUK Web-portal is under progress and going to be
launched shortly. The website of Kurukshetra University, launched
on the information superhighway/ INTERNET, can be accessed
globally at the www.kuk.edu.tripod.com. This website covers around
200 page and is registered on search engines like www. infoseek.com,
www.netscape.com, www.khoj.com, www.aol.com, www.google.com,
www.rediff.com, www.acu. Ac.uk, www.aiuwebcom, www.inflibnet.
ac.in. etc.
The website includes the information related to important
functionaries, Executive Council, Academic Council, University
Court, Academic Calendar, Results, Conferences, PHD thesis,
Syllabus, admission to all post graduate courses, etc. It covers the
information about all the courses conducted by the Directorate of
Distance Education of the University alongwith admission form
downloading facilities. The Homepages of the University teaching
departments are also updated from time to time. Information
regarding results and counselling of various entrance examinations is
also made available on the website. The internet facility has been
provided by way of Campus-vide Networking and 500 internet nodes
have been provided to the departments including 200 internet nodes in
the library itself.
The library is fast moving towards its complete computeriz-
ation by way of adopting and adapting the information technology.
Initially, infrastructure for the computerization and automation of the
library has been developed with financial assistance of UGC and in
collaboration with the INFLIBNET Centre, Ahamedabad. After that,
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 360
the whole infrastructure has been created with the financial investment
of the University. It is the final phase of complete computerization.
Different sections and all the floors of the library are connected with
each other by the server placed in the ERNET section. The OPAC
(Online Public Access Catalogue) is in operation for the users and it
contains collection of around 3,10,954 books including thesis and
journals. Presently, the library has 200 computer systems with state of
art technology.
All India Services Pre-examination Training Centre was
established in 1982 for preparing students belonging to Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes for Central services. The Ministry of
Welfare, Government of India , finances the Centre.
Residential facilities exist for boys and girls students. There
are 8 hostels for boys and 8 for girls. There is a well-equipped
gymnasium, vast sports ground and swimming pool of international
standards. Also, there is a modern well-furnished auditorium with
3500 seats. There is a film society which regularly organized film
shows in the auditorium. There is a Youth and Cultural Affairs
Department which regularly organizes cultural programmes on the
campus and also sponsors educational and cultural tours. Adequate
medical facilities are available in the University Health Centre and
there is a 50 bed public hospital close to the University. The Campus
is a full fledged township with its own market, Post & Telegraph
Office, Bank and other amenities.
University College, Kurukshetra.- Located in the University
Campus, this college was established in 1961. Affiliated to
Kurukshetra University, it provides courses in humanities, science and
commerce upto degree level and Honours courses in English, Hindi,
Sanskrit, Punjabi, Economics, Political Science, History, Geography,
Psychology, Philosophy and Mathematics. Job-oriented courses are
also available in the college including B.Sc with Computer Science
and Electronics and a one year Diploma in Secretarial Practices. The
college maintains a library with 29,644 books on different subjects
and subscribes to 16 journals and periodicals.
In 2003-04, it had 2089 (1373 boys and 716 girls) students on
its rolls including 282 belonging to Scheduled Castes and 304 to other
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
361
Backward Classes. It had 63 members on its teaching staff. It had
one N.C.C. Company and N.S.S. Units. It brings out a magazine
named ‘Sthaneshwar’ annually.
Arya Kanya Mahavidyala, Shahabad Markanda.-This College was
established in 1968 by local Arya Samaj. It is a girls college and
caters to the needs of higher education of Shahabad and surrounding
villages. Affiliated to Kurukshetra University, it provides courses in
humanities, science and commerce upto post-graduate level and it also
offers Post-graduate Diploma in Secretarial Practice and Post-graduate
Diploma in Computer Science & Applications.
The college has a magnificent double storied building, well-
equipped laboratory, lawns and playgrounds. Hostel facility is also
available for a limited number of students. It also maintains a library
having 22,523 books and subscribes to 60 periodicals and journals.
In 2003-04, it had 1182 students on its rolls including 34
belonging to Scheduled Castes and 126 to Other Backward Classes
and the number of teaching staff was 24. It had one unit of N.S.S.
Markanda National College, Shahabad Markanda.- This college
was established in 1970 by the Markanda Educational Council.
Affiliated to Kurukshetra University, it provided course in humanities
and science upto degree level.
This college is situated at a distance of 1.5 Km. from bus stand
and railway station. It has a magnificent double storied building
surrounding vast open ground. The college library contains 19,267
books and subscribes to 11 journals, 14 magazines and 13 newspapers.
In 2003-04, it had 679 students on its rolls including
80 belonging to Scheduled Castes and 173 to other Backward Classes.
It had 30 members on its teaching staff. It had one Company of
N.C.C. and one unit of N.S.S. It brings out a magazine named
‘Markandeya’ annually.
Indira Gandhi National College Ladwa.- Situated on Ladwa-
Mustfabad road, it was established by Indira Gandhi National
Education Society, Ladwa in July 1975. It is affiliated to Kurukshetra
University and offers degree courses in science (Medical and Non-
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 362
medical), commerce and humanities and also offers post graduation
course in English.
The college library contains 30,398 books and subscribes to 31
journals and periodicals.
In 2003-04, the college had 730 students on its rolls including
58 students belonging to Scheduled Castes and 103 students of Other
Backward Classes. It had two units of N.S.S. and one Platoon of
N.C.C. The college annually brings out a magazine named ‘Haryana
Rashmi’.
Daya Nand Mahila Mahavidyala, Kurukshetra.- This college was
established in July, 1982 by Arya Shiksha Samiti, Kurukshetra.
Affiliated to Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, it offers courses in
humanities and commerce upto degree level and post graduate courses
in English, Hindi and Economics.
The college is housed in its own building and is situated on
Salarpur road. The college library contains 21,552 books and
subscribes to 24 journals and also 24 periodicals.
In 2003-04, the college had on its rolls 1198 students including
123 students belonging to Scheduled Castes and 180 to Other
Backward Classes. It has 29 teachers and brings out annually a
magazine named ‘Maharshi-Gaurav’.
D.A.V. College, Pehowa.- This college was established in 1981 by
D.A.V. College Managing Committee, New Delhi. Affiliated to
Kurukshetra University, it provides courses in science, humanities and
commerce upto degree level.
The college is situated on Ambala-Hisar road. It has spacious
building and playgrounds. The college library contains 17,000 books
and subscribes to 45 journals and periodicals and educational C.Ds are
available in the library. Science Encyclopedia on C.D. Rom and
Encyclopedia of Britannica on paper are also available in the library.
In 2005-06, the college had on its rolls 1,400 students. It had
one N.C.C. Company and one N.S.S. Unit.
Teachers Training
University College Of Education.- This is the only college providing
teacher’s training in the district. It is a constituent college of
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
363
Kurukshetra University. It was established in July, 1960. In order to
prepare quality teachers, a four years integrated course leading to
degree of Bachelor of Arts (Education) Bachelor of Science
(Education) was started. With a view to attract really brilliant students,
only matriculates (1st Division) were given admission on merit and
incentives in the form of free tution, stipends for 50 percent students
and a guarantee of employment were provided. The course attracted
large number of meritorious students for a number of years. In 1967,
it was decided to discontinue the integrated scheme in phases and one
year B.Ed. course was introduced.
The institution was Government College of Education upto
1974 and since then it has been taken over by the University and
renamed as University College of Education, K.U.K.
The college is housed in its own magnificent building, has vast
playground and an assembly hall known as R.K. Sadan. The college
library contains 20,000 books on various subjects and subscribes to 8
journals and periodicals. The college provides hostel facilities for
boys and girls.
Presently, the college has an intake capacity of 250 students
for B.Ed. (one year). Concession and scholarships are awarded to the
Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Physically Handicapped
students. It has 18 members on its teaching staff. The college brings
out annual college magazine named’ Jyoti-Kalash’ and newsletter
named ‘U.C.E.K. NEWS’.
Scheme of Scholar-In-Residence.-For the University teaching de-
partments/institutes the five-fold aim of the scheme is to enrich the
academic life on the campus, to create quest for quality lectures/
discourses, to inspire the faculty and students to excel in academic, to
inculcate in students and young teachers reverence for intellectual
giants, to promote coherent thinking and organized reasoning through
integrated series of lectures by experts and scholars in different
specialized areas. The idea is to bring about an active interaction of
the students and faculty with scholars of high academic standing and
international repute, and thereby enhance their competence.
Academic Staff College.- The UGC Academic Staff College was
established as one of the pioneer institutions in 1987 and has been
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 364
granted extension upto 31.3.2007. This Academic Staff College since
its inception has organized 47 Orientation Courses and 132 courses
besides 20 Induction Training Programmes for the teachers working in
Engineering Colleges, thus covering 6,543 teachers not only from the
State of Haryana but also from other States of the country.
Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Studies Centre.- The Centre was set up in 1992. The objectives of the Centre are as
follows:-
(i) To study Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s work scientifically and
objectively,
(ii) to understand Dr. Ambedkar’s relevance today,
(iii) to study problems such as untouchability, social injustice
etc. in the light of his ideas,
(iv) to collect and publish writings and speeches on
Dr. Ambedkar and to bring out publications and journal
devoted to his life and the subjects in which he was
interested in,
(v) to encourage students of M.phil and P.H.D courses and
others scholars to work on Dr. Ambedkar and Dalit
literature, and
(vi) to hold seminars, symposia, lectures, round table
conferences on Dr. Ambedkar’s life, his work and
ideology and to provide a common platform in India and
abroad to the scholars working on Dr. Ambedkar so that
they could share their research and experience with one
another.
Women’s Studies Research Centre.- The Women’s Studies Research
Centre is actively engaged in women empowerment programme. The
Centre has also functioned as a training forum, and in this capacity
keeps on organizing a number of orientation courses, workshops, and
conferences for the women personnel. It has completed the research
projects on “A Study of Women on the Unorganized Sector of
Employment”, “ Family Violence Against the Girl Child” and
“Professional and Technical Education in Haryana-A Gender Analysis
of Enrollment”.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
365
Computer Centre.- The University has a well-equipped computer
centre with varieties of equipment to cater to various requirements of
the faculty members, administrators and research scholars.
Research, Development Patents Council.- Research, Development
Patents Council has been set up to raise funds for the promotion of
research and development activities leading to the goal of excellence.
An extensive exercise was undertaken to identify the departments of
potential and strength with a view to develop them as a Centre of
excellence.
National Institute of Technology.- The National Institute of Technology,
Kurukshetra is one of the seventeen National Institutes of Technology
in the country. The Institute has been conferred the status of Deemed
University by the Government of India w.e.f. 26.6.2002. Before the
declaration of NIT Kurukshetra with Deemed University status, the
Institute was known as Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra
which was established in 1963 as a joint and co-operative enterprise
of Govt. of India and the State Government to serve the Haryana
region and the rest of the country for imparting technical training to
youths and for fostering national integration. Its objective is to
provide instructions and research facilities in various disciplines of
engineering and technology and the advancement of learning and
dissemination of knowledge in each such disciplines. The
Government of India is meeting the entire non-recurring Plan
expenditure and 50 percent of the recurring expenditure on
undergraduate courses. Remaining 50 percent recurring expendi-ture
is borne by the State Government. The entire recurring and non-
recurring expenditure on the post-graduate courses is borne by the
Central Government. The management of the institute is vested in the
duly constituted Board of Governors.
The Institute offers four years B. Tech. undergraduate courses
in Civil, Electrical, Electronics & Communication. Mechanical and
Computer Engineering. It also offers specialized postgraduate
(M. Tech.) courses n the fields of Civil, Electrical, Electronics &
Communication, Mechanical Engineering and Instrumentation.
The Institute has six boys and one girls hostels. The boys
hostels with a capacity of 250 each are for B.Tech.& B.E. students and
one 150 seater post graduate hostel accommodation for M.Tech.
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 366
students and research scholars. Three of the five boys hostels for
undergraduate students have triple seater rooms whereas the
remaining two are single seater. All the rooms in post-graduate hostel
are single seaters. A separate hostel with a limited capacity of 125 is
available for girl students. The hostel has single, double and triple
seated rooms. Those girl students who fail to get accommodation in
the hostel are required to make their own arrangements for boarding &
lodging. One more hostel for girl students is under construction so
that all the girl students may be accommodated in the hostel. Hostels
are controlled by Chief Warden who is assisted by Deputy Chief
Warden, a team of Wardens and other staff working in the hostels for
various jobs.
The Institute maintains library with more than 1,01,248 books
and subscribes to more than 140 journals. Besides this, 12 journals
were received as Gratis. It also maintains a Book Bank of more than
39,261 books.
The Ministry of Human Resources Development has set up the
Indian National Digital Library in Science and Technology (INDEST)
Consortium. The consortium provides wide range of e-resources to
IITs/ NITs/ IIMs etc. Institutes are getting the following electronic
resources through Consortium:-
1. ACM
2. ASCE
3. ASME
4. IEL Online
5. ASTP
6. JGATE
Faculty Members, Students, Research Scholars and other
readers can have access to these resources through campus network.
The database of library collection has been prepared using Lib.
Sys. Software but code labels will be generated and pasted on all the
documents to start the automation of circulation section.
The library has a CD/DVD Room server with 90 GB capacity
and six computers. The server is capable to catch 140 to 225 CDs at a
time. All the CDs procured and received with books and magazines
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
367
are loaded on the server. The information loaded on the server can be
viewed/used by students, faculty members and other readers from
anywhere in the Institute through campus wide network.
The Institute Library is maintaining Book Bank and SAF
collection of books. The books are issued to all the students of all
branches out of these for full semester. Library is equipped with two
machines. Reproduction from books, periodicals, charts and diagrams
are provided to the readers. The library provides bibliographic
services on specialized subject to its readers on request. It also
provides Current Aware Service to students, research scholars and
teachers.
By March 2004, 73 students were selected through campus
interview by various reputed companies from different departments of
the Institute. Several companies such as TATA Consultancy Services,
HCL Technologies. Nagarro Software, L&T Ltd. DRDO, Ashoka
Leyland, Grindwell Norton, Blue-star Infotech, HCL Info-systems
Hero Honda, Samtel Color Ltd. QUARK Media, Ispat Industries, M/S
ALSTOM, M/S WARTSILA, M/S ISGEC, M/S MALCD and M/S
L.G.E. visited the campus for the purpose of placement of the
students. This year the placement has not been so good because it is
dependent on the market demand. It was good a few years ago due to
boom. But now, placement has been affected due to global recession
in the market. Some of the students were interviewed/ selected by
more than one company under Career and Appointment Services
controlled by Professor, Training Placement and Students Welfare.
Consequent upon upgradation of Regional Engineering
College, Kurukshetra to National Institute of Technology with
Deemed University status w.e.f. 26.6.2002, the Institute is
independent in every respect relating to academic work such as
examinations, evaluation of answer sheets, declaration of results and
other allied matters. The Institute conducted all examinations in
December, 2002/January, 2003 at its own level as decided by the
Board of Governors of the Institute out of funds collected from the
students without any liability of the Government. The examinations
were conducted smoothly on the pattern of Kurukshetra University,
Kurukshetra under which this Institute was earlier affiliated. The
results were also computerized and declared within a stipulated
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 368
period. The Detailed Marks Card were designed, printed and
distributed to the students.
The Institute has been selected as a leading Institute under
Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP). This
Programme is being implemented by Government of India with World
Bank’s assistance. The Institute is one of the five NITs selected as a
lead institution under this project. It is likely to get a grant of approx.
Rs. 50 crore under this project spread over 5 years. The Govt. of India
sanctioned a sum of Rs. 7.5 crore towards first instalment under the
World Bank assisted TEQIP project in March, 2003 for the purpose of
training, equipment and modernization of laboratories, books and
learning resources.
Education of Women
Education of women remained utterly neglected in the district
in the past. The extent of the neglect of female education can be
judged from the fact that according to 1901 census, the female literacy
in the then Thanesar tehsil was as low as 0.1 percent.1 According to
1911 census, the female literacy ratio in Thanesar tehsil showed only
marginal increase from 0.1 percent in 1901 to 0.3 percent in 1911.2
Even according to 1931 census, the female literacy ratio in Thanesar
tehsil was as low as 0.4 percent.3
The custom of early marriage and the conservative attitude of
the people towards them were the main reasons for the slow growth of
education among women. Moreover, there was also paucity of women
teachers because of general backwardness of female education.
Before independence, the Government offered some incentives
to promote female education. Scholarships were given to 20 percent
of the pupils in primary and secondary schools. Limited number of
scholarships were also provided to deserving students, who were
inclined to pursue higher studies. The need for providing a large
number of trained teachers was fully realized by the Government and
1 Karnal District Gazetter, Statistical Tables, 1904. Table No.50. 2 Ibid, 1912, Table No.50. 3 Ibid, 1935, Table No.50.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
369
it offered stipends to all women undergoing training for the teaching
profession. Moreover, the salaries paid to them were considerably
higher than those of men with the same qualifications.1 But due to
age-old prejudices and conservative attitude of the society at large, the
Government could not achieve the desired results in the domain of
girls education.
It was only after independence that concerted efforts were
made both by the Government and social and religious organizations
like Arya Samaj, Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Singh Sabha for spread
of education among women. Number of schools were opened in rural
and urban areas exclusively for girls. Government also offered many
concessions to female students and free education for all girl students
upto graduation. Besides, social awakening for the upliftment of the
women, helped in spread of education among them.
By March 2004-05, the district was well advanced in the field
of women education and there were 60 Primary, 4 Middle and 8 High/
Senior Secondary Schools and 8 colleges exclusively for girls.
Moreover, all the Government run Primary Schools have been made
co-educational. The Middle Schools, High and Senior Secondary
Schools at places having no separate schools for girls have also been
made co-educational. Number of girl students has been gradually
increasing. In 2004-05, the number rose to 73,039. According to
2001 census, the female literacy in the district was 60.61 percent.
Before independence, very little efforts were made in
eradicating illiteracy among the Scheduled Castes and other Backward
Classes. Among religious and social organizations, only Arya Samaj
made some efforts in this regard during the beginning of 20th century.
However, these classes remained educationally the most backward
section of society till 1947. It was only after independence that the
Government vigorously directed its Policy towards raising general
level of literacy among them.
The students belonging to these classes are provided with
various facilities by way of reservation of seats in professional and
1 B.S. Saini, Social and Economic History of the Punjab. (1901-1939) p.156.
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 370
technical institutions, exemption from payment of tuition fee, and
reimbursement of examination fee and also by giving financial
assistance in the form of stipend. School books are supplied to them
free of cost from class IX to XII. Free college education is also
provided to students belonging to these classes, stipends under the
State’s Scheduled Castes Welfare Scheme are also awarded.
The girl students belonging to these classes who are studying
in primary classes are given scholarship of Rs. 10 per month upto
primary level, Rs. 30 from class VI to VIII and Rs. 40 from class IX to
XII. Rs. 80 and Rs. 120 per annum are given as stationary charges to
students studying in class VI to VIII and class IX to XII respectively.
Special coaching classes are also arranged for Scheduled Caste
students in science, mathematics and English. Uniforms are provided
to SC girl students studying in class VI to VIII @ Rs. 75 per annum.
Uniforms are also provided to girl students studying in class IX and
XII @ Rs. 100/- per annum. Scheduled Castes students (college stage)
are given stipends under the Govt. of India Post-matric Scholarship
Scheme. The stipend includes refund of examination fee, tuition fee
and other compulsory non-refundable charges. The rate of stipend/
maintenance allowance was Rs. 140/- per month for Day Scholar
and Rs. 740/- per month for Hoteliers. The income ceiling was
Rs. 1,00,000/-per annum.
Students belonging to other Backward classes both block A &
B are also given stipends @ Rs. 20/- and Rs. 40/- per month from
class IX to XII provided whose parents are not income tax payee.
Students of other backward classes (college stage) under the Post-
matric Scholarship Scheme were given stipend @ Rs. 75/- per month
for day scholar and Rs. 150/- per month for Hoteliers.
Literacy ratio among these sections is still low. This is mainly
due to economic reasons as they prefer to employ their children on
odd jobs to supplement their meager family income.
The following table shows the enrolment of students belonging
to Scheduled Castes in different institutions in the district during
1990-91 to 2003-04:-
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
371
YEAR-WISE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS SC ENROLLMENT(Only
Middle, High& Sr. Sec.
Schools)
Year Sr. Sec. High Middle Boys Girls Total
1991-92 18 59 52 8412 5366 13778
1992-93 20 63 56 9518 5527 15045
1993-94 20 63 56 9297 5515 14794
1994-95 19 67 54 8521 5836 14357
1995-96 23 68 55 9716 6426 16142
1996-97 35 85 81 10948 7332 18210
1997-98 36 92 84 7383 4427 11810
1998-99 51 81 87 7412 4665 12077
1999-00 55 81 82 7565 4835 12400
2000-01 55 89 94 8023 5250 13273
2001-02 55 88 100 7783 4941 12724
2002-03 68 84 93 - - -
2003-04 75 89 90 12310 9579 21889
Literacy Ratio
Backwardness of the district in the field of education in the
beginning of the present century can be easily assessed from the fact
that according to 1901 census, the percentage of the literate persons in
the then Thanesar tehsil, which broadly included the areas comprising
the present district, was only 2.5 percent. Literacy among males was
just 4.6 percent and was as low as 0.1 percent among females.
Literacy ratio remained almost constant till 1911 Census. It was
2.7 percent for the tehsil as a whole and 4.7 percent and 0.3 percent
respectively for males and females. In 1931, even after two decades,
there was only a marginal increase in the literacy ratio. According
to 1931 Census, the literacy ratio in Thanesar Tehsil was 3.3 percent
(5.7 percent for males and 0.4 percent for females). An analysis of the
above figures clearly indicates that education was practically
neglected and the lack of proper facilities for education resulted in low
literacy ratio.
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 372
The expansion of educational network after independence
resulted in higher literacy ratio in the areas now comprising
Kurukshetra district. According to 1961 Census, the percentage of
total literates in the then Thanesar Tehsil was 14.9 (22.9 percent for
males and 5.7 percent for females).
According to 1971 Census, literacy ratio in Thanesar and
Pehowa Tehsil put together, was 29.1 percent (39.1 percent for males
and 18.7 percent for females). Literacy ratio in these two tehsils rose
to 36.1 percent (44.9 percent for males and 25.9 percent for females)
in 1981.
According to 2001 census, 69.88 percent of the total
population of present Kurukshetra district was literate. Literacy ratio
among males and females was 78.06 percent and 60.61 percent
respectively.
Industrial Training
Industrial training is imparted to men and women with a view
to ensure steady flow of skilled workers in different trades. The aim is
to raise the quality and quantity of industrial production by systematic
training of workers and to reduce unemployment amongst educated
youths by equipping them with suitable industrial employment.
Training is provided in engineering and non-engineering trades.
Industrial Training Institutes at Kurukshetra and Shahabad Markanda
are functioning under the control of Director, Industrial Training,
Haryana, Chandigarh. Both these institutes have separate women
wing. Training is provided in Industrial Training Institutes in various
crafts for the award of diploma certificate from the Director, Industrial
Training Haryana, Chandigarh. Incentives are provided by way of
award of stipend @ Rs.45 per mensem per student on poverty-cum-
merit basis to one-third of the students on rolls in each institute.
Trainees belonging to Scheduled Castes are given a stipend of Rs. 75
per mensem, Ex-servicemen and their dependents are also awarded
stipends for such training. Besides, technical training, medical aid,
workshop clothes and hostel accommodation are provided free of cost
to all the trainees. The training period ranges from one to two years.
Vocational Education Institutes at Kurukshetra, Pehowa and
Babain at Suneria are under the administrative control of the
Department of Industrial Training and Vocational Education,
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
373
Haryana, Chandigarh. The aim of these institutes is to make education
job-oriented. Under 10+2 system of education, 12th class is earmarked
for vocational training. This training is provided to the students in
engineering and non-engineering trades. The purpose of these
institutes is to make the students self-dependent in earning their
livelihood and these institutions are under the NCERT (National
Council of Educational Research and Training) and DGE&T (Director
General of Employment and Training).
The details of the institutions along with the year of
establishment, trade of crafts provided and duration of the course is
given below:-
Sr.
No.
Name of
Institution
Year of
Establish-
ment
No. of
Trainees
Scheduled
Castes
Trainees
Trade Crafts
Provided
Duration
of the
Course
1. Vocational
Edu. Institute,
Kurukshetra
1983 365 30 1.Visual Arts
2. Boiler
Attendant.
3. Office
Secretarysh
ip (Hindi)
4.Commercial
Garments
Designing
& Making.
5. Electrician
(MREDA)
6. Linemen
7. Office
Secretarysh
ip (English)
8. Auto
Technician
(two & three
wheeler
Repair)
Two Yrs.
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
2. Vocational
Edu. Institute,
Pehowa
1985 126 22 1. Lineman
2. Electrician
(MREDA)
3. Banking
Asstt.
4. Commercial
Garments
Designing &
Making
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 374
3. Vocational
Edu.
Institute,
Babain at
Sunaria.
1987 174 33 1. Two &
Three
Wheeler
Repair
2. Electrician
(MREDA)
3.Office Sec-
retaryship
(English)
4. Office Sec-
retaryship
(Hindi)
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
4. Vocational
Edu. Institute,
Budha
1995 175 32 1. Two &
Three
Wheeler
Repair
2. Banking
Assistant.
3. Electrician
(MREDA)
4. Office Sec-
retaryship
(Hindi).
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
5. Industrial
Training
Institute,
Kurukshetra
1982 122 24 1. Fitter
2. Wireman
3.Carpenter
4. Welder
5. Mech.
Tractor
Two year
-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
6. Industrial
Training
Institute
(Women Wing)
Kurukshetra
1982
36 7 1. Cutting &
Sewing
2. Embroidary
One year
-do-
7. Industrial
Training
Institute
Shahabad(M)
1982 32 6 1. Fitter
2. Welder
Two year
One year
8. Industrial
Training
Institute
Shahabad(M)
(Women
Wing).
1982 54 10 1. Cutting &
Sewing
2. Embroidary
One year
-do-
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
375
Medical Education
Shri Krishan Government Ayurvedic College Kurukshetra.- It
was established on May 1, 1972 under the management of Nav Jiwan
Sangh, Kurukshetra. The institution was taken over by the Haryana
Government on June 5,1975. Affiliated to Kurukshetra University, it
provides 5-year course in Ayurvedic Medicines leading to B.A.M.S.
degree.
Situated near Sannihit tank, it is housed in a building with
extensive grounds, library and a Ayurvedic Hospital with 20 beds. The
college shifted to new building built over an area of 24 acres in
August, 1992. It has extensive playgrounds and 20 bed hospital. The
college library is stocked with 4,960 books on medical science and
subscribes to 102 journals and periodicals relating to allopathic and
ayurvedic medicines. The poor and deserving students are given
scholarship @ Rs. 100 per month by Pandit Thakur Dutt Dharmarth
Trust.
Oriental Colleges
Kurukshetra remained a great centre of learning during ancient
period. Bulk of vedic literature was composed in the areas now
comprising Kurukshetra district. But during medieval period, due to
frequent foreign invasions, it lost much of its glory as a centre of
learning. After independence, efforts were made by many religious
bodies to revive its ancient glory in the field of studies of Sanskrit.
Presently, besides Kurukshetra University, there are three institutions
in the district for teaching of Sanskrit. All these institutions are located
at Kurukshetra and their brief account is as follows:-
Shri Jai Ram Vidyapeeth, Kurukshetra.- It was established near
Brahm Sarovar in 1975. It is housed in its own building having hostel
and a library. It provides gratis education with boarding and lodging to
all students. Affiliated to Kurukshetra University, it offers courses in
Pragya (Proficiency in Sanskrit), Vishard (High Proficiency in
Sanskrit) and Shastri (Honours in Sanskrit). In 2006-07, 72 students
are on its rolls who live in hostel. It has 7 members on its teaching
staff. The total strength of the students is 142.
Shri Sanatan Dharam Sanskrit College, Kurukshetra.- This
institution was initially established on February 28,1958 by Seth Jugal
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 376
Kishore Birla but was taken over by Sanskrit and Ayurvedic
Educational Institute, Delhi in 1981. Affiliated to Kurukshetra
University, it offers courses in Pragya (Proficiency in Sanskrit)
Vishard (High Proficiency in Sanskrit) and Shastri (Honours in
Sanskrit). It provides free education and free boarding and lodging
facilities to all students.
Sanskrit Vidya Peeth, Krishan Dharm, Kurukshetra.- Mahabhartiya
Sanskrit Research Trust, Kurukshetra is running a Sanskrit Vidya
Peeth within the precincts of the Trust building near Sannihit Sarovar.
It was established in 1979. Affiliated to Kurukshetra University,
Kurukshetra, it offers courses in Pragya (proficiency in Sanskrit),
Vishard (High Proficiency in Sanskrit) and Shastri (Honours in
Sanskrit). It provides free education and free boarding and lodging to
all students. In 2003-04, the college had 106 students on its rolls. The
number of teachers was six.
Gurukul Education
Alongwith modern educational institutions, the ancient
Gurukul type of education is still prevalent in the district. Under this
system of education special stress is laid on the teaching of Sanskrit
and vedic literature and overall physical and mental development of
pupils. The main characteristic of this type of education is its
residential character and puts emphasis on close personal contact
between the teachers and the taughts. A brief account of a Gurukul
located at Kurukshetra is given below:-
Vidhya Vihar Gurukul, Kurukkshetra.- Established on 13th April,
1912 by a renowned Arya Samaj leader Swami Shardhanand, it is one
of the oldest Gurukul opened by Arya Samaj in Haryana. It is located
on Thanesar-Kaithal road adjoining Kurukshetra University. Being
run on ancient pattern of education, it lays special stress on character
building, inculcating moral values and teaching of Sanskrit and vedic
literature. Its main feature is residential character where students are
taught according to old Guru Shishya tradition. It is managed by Arya
Pratinidhi Sabha, Haryana. It imparts higher secondary level education
and prepares student for Matriculation/10+2 examination of Central
Board of Secondary Education, Delhi. Gurukul is housed in its own
magnificent building which has hostels and vast playgrounds for
various games. It provides free education to the students and Ashtang
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
377
Yoga and games are compulsory for all students. It has a well stocked
library with large number of books on various subjects. In March
2003-04, it had 750 students on its rolls hailing from various states of
India and it had 30 teachers to teach them.
Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium
A prestigious Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium has been
constructed at Kurukshetra with the joint collaboration of Haryana
State Council for Science and Technology (Deptt. of Science and
Technology) and National Council of Science Museums (NCSM),
Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. This planetarium has been built at
a cost of Rs. 6.50 crore which has been shared equally between Govt.
of India and Govt. of Haryana. The Planetarium has a 12 metre dome
with the seating capacity of 120 persons, having an area of 5 acres of
land and is located on Kurukshetra -Pehowa Road near Jyotisar.
The Planetarium, named after a scintillating daughter of
Haryana, has been developed for imparting non-formal education in
Astronomy among the masses. The excellent programmes and the
supporting exhibits placed indoors and outdoors will help the people
at large and students in particular in learning this frontier area of
science and satisfy their curious minds with wide range of information
about the universe.
The work on the project was conducted by the NCSM,
Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. The planetarium is being run by
Haryana State Council for Science & Technology. A programme titled
“Oasis in Space” (both in Hindi & English) and another programme
titled “A Peak into Kalpana’s Dream and Beyond” are available to be
shown to the visitors. The equipment installed in the planetarium is
latest in this region and has been imported from USA.
National Cadet Crops
The National Cadet Crops (NCC) was introduced in 1948-49
as part of educational programme to develop qualities of leadership,
unity and discipline. Later in July, 1963 after the Chinese Aggression,
it was made compulsory for all able-bodied undergraduate students at
college level. In 1969 two other programmes, namely, the NSS
(National Services Scheme) and the sports were introduced as an
alternative to NCC which is no longer compulsory. NCC training is
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 378
imparted regularly during the academic session and through outdoor
camps.
N.C.C. is organised in the district through Group Head-
quarters, Ambala Cantt. It has under its jurisdiction 10 Haryana BN
NCC Kurukshetra, 2nd Haryana Air Sqn. NCC, Karnal and 1 Haryana
Girls BN NCC, Ambala Cantt. These Battalions cover cadets of
senior division in colleges and junior division in High/ Senior Sec.
Schools.
After the re-organization of the district in 1989, the NCC
Training is being imparted to 373 cadets (Boys) Senior Division. 600
Junior Division Air Wing Cadets are also imparted training in NCC
through their respective battalions i.e. 1 Haryana Girls BN NCC,
Ambala Cantt and 2nd MR Air Sqn. NCC, Karnal.
National Service Scheme
National Service Scheme (N.S.S.) was introduced in the
educational programme of the country in 1969. The scheme was
adopted in the colleges of Haryana during 1970-71. It aims at
educating the students through community service. It enriches the
students personality and deepens their understanding of the social
environment in which they live. It helps the students to develop an
awareness and knowledge of the social reality and to have a concern
for the well being of the community.
Under the scheme, the students undertake activities designed
to tackle social problems and promote social welfare. Its activities are
multifarious and include adult education, tree plantations, family and
child care, rural cleanliness, blood donation, etc. N.S.S. volunteers
also render valuable help at the time of natural calamities like floods
and famines.
N.S.S. training is imparted regularly at camps. The scheme is
prevailing almost in all the colleges of the district. In 2003-04, 10,218
students (5,198 boys and 5020 girls) in various colleges of the district
had opted for the scheme.
Sports
Sports activities in the district include school tournaments,
panchayat tournaments and open tournaments. The sports activities in
the district are organised by the District Sports and Youth Welfare
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
379
Officer who is assisted by 22 Coaches-18 of Sports Department,
Haryana and 4 of Sport Authority of India.
Coaching Centres.- Sports Department runs 21 Coaching Centres in
the district for promotion of sports. School and college students and
departmental/club players regularly attend these centres for
specialised training in sports. To prepare them for competitions,
coaching camps for selected teams of the district are held from time to
time. Talented young players are sent to centralised state level
coaching camps where they get advanced training and camps are held
separately for school and college students every year during vacations.
Tournaments.- The Coaches co-ordinate the sports activities at the
district level and organize school/ college tournaments. To promote
sports in rural areas, the District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer
organises tournaments at the block level.
District Olympic Association and other Sports Organisations
in the district also promote sports. They organise exhibition matches
of outside teams with local teams.
Stadia.- Named after Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata, Dron
Stadium was built at Kurukshetra in 1985 at a cost of Rs. 10 lacs.
Spread over an area of 9 acres, it is located in the Urban Estate. It has
sitting capacity for 1,000 spectators and has track for 400 metre
athletic and playgrounds for cricket, hockey, basketball, lawn-tennis,
kho-kho, kabaddi, volleyball and badminton. It has also arrangements
for wrestling, boxing and judo. Number of district and state level
sports competitions have been organised in this stadium. A
Gymnasium Hall has also been built during 1989-90 at a cost of Rs.
15.17 lacs where boxing and badminton players are given training on
modern lines.
Yoga Bhawan.-A Yoga Bhawan has been built at Kurukshetra during
1990-91 at a cost of Rs. 9.21 lacs where a Yoga Coach imparts
training in Yoga.
Swimming Pool.-A swimming pool has been constructed at
Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs. 35.60 lacs.
Scholarships.-To encourage young players who are good at games,
the State Government awards sports scholarship in the form of cash
and prizes and honours the young players for their excellent
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 380
performance under the Bhim, Arjun, Daronacharya and Rajiv Gandhi
Award Schemes.
Libraries
Libraries provide ample opportunity to the educated masses to
augment their knowledge and keep abreast of the latest developments
in various fields. Library movement remained neglected till
independence. Only a few educational institutions had libraries which
were meant for their students and staff. It was only after independence
that importance of libraries in the dissemination of knowledge was felt
and libraries were established in towns mainly by Municipal
Committees and in villages by Panchayats.
Kurukshetra University and various colleges also maintain
their own well stocked libraries. Kurukshetra University library was
established in 1956. The library is stocked with more than 3,00,000
books and subscribes to 450 periodicals and journals on various
subjects. Library is maintaining manuscripts and rare books besides
Haryana Religion Study Cell, providing services to students and
teachers. Total members of the library are 8842. A number of schools
in the district also maintain libraries. A brief account of District
Library, Kurukshetra and various Municipal Libraries in the district is
given below:-
District Library, Kurukshetra.- Established in January, 1986, the
library is located in a rented building in Sector 13, Urban Estate. It
contains 16,000 books on various subjects and subscribes to 11
newspapers and 35 periodicals. It has a reading room, a reference
section and a children section. The library has 1650 members on its
roll. The library has been awarded national level RRRLF award and a
special prize of Rs. 25,000/- for North Zone for the year 2001.
Municipal Library, Thanesar.-Located in the premises of Municipal
Office near Krishna Gate, this library was established in 1956. It
contains 8,844 books on various subjects and subscribes to a number
of journals and periodicals.
Municipal Library, Shahabad.-It was established in 1953 by
Municipal Committee, Shahabad and is located on library road. It
contains 8,492 books on various subjects and subscribes to 10 journals
and periodicals.
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381
Municipal Library, Ladwa.-Municipal Committee, Ladwa maintains
a library-cum-reading room. It contains 1000 books and subscribes to
three newspapers. Gram Panchayats of Umri and Mirjapur have also
established libraries in their respective villages.
Shri Krishna Museum Kurukshetra.-Krishna, the embodiment of
intellectual and spiritual glory has been a subject of adoration ever
since the character got deified as a God. His versatile personality
made him a Deity. Unfolding the mystery of Krishna is virtually an
enchanting experience as every time you untwine the fabric of Krishna
you discover a new dimension in it. The divinity and human aspect of
Krishna as revealed by his character in the literature is unparalleled in
the history of human civilization. He has been a source of perennial
inspiration to art and literature. He is the most popular character in
Indian myths and legends.
Every museum has its own character and personality. With a
view to awaken the people morally and culturally through the ideas
and ideals of Krishna and to enlighten the people about the history of
the region, Sri Krishna Museum was established in 1987. Sub-
sequently, it was shifted to the present building in 1991 and new block
was added in the year 1995.
The artifacts displayed in the museum represent Krishna as
Godhead, as incarnation (avtara) of Vishnu, a great philosopher, an
epic hero, an astute statesman and a supreme lover. The personality
and teachings of Krishna have permeated into the national ethos and
his exploits and miracles are a source of inspiration for the artistic
expressions manifested in all parts of the country in their traditional
folk and classical art forms.
The major collections of first gallery pertaining to Krishna
theme consists of a variety of art objects such as wood carvings, metal
castings and ivory carvings.
Second gallery is chiefly devoted to the archaeological objects.
It includes potsherds of ancient Kurukshetra region, antiquities of
Dwarka and stone sculptures on Krishna-Vishnu theme. Kurukshetra
has a rich heritage of art, architecture and culture as revealed by its
artifacts in the forms of stone icons, terracotta, potteries and
architectural members. The gallery presents potsherds of the Harappan
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 382
period, P.G.W. (Mahabharata) period and historical period. Besides,
this gallery also displays some exquisite stone sculptures ranging from
1st to 10
th century A.D. recovered from various parts of Haryana and
Mathura.
Third gallery contains some exquisite miniature paintings, pals
leaf etchings and some illustrated manuscripts. The cynosure of all
eyes is on the collection of Pahari and Rajasthani paintings and the
murals on the octagonal parapet wall depicting the episodes of
Mahabharata.
Fourth gallery houses nine tableaux depicting the episodes of
the life and exploits of Krishna. The episodes are: birth of Krishna,
Krishna stealing butter, Krishna lifting mount Goverdhana, Krishna
subduing serpent Kaliya, Rasa- the cosmic dance, Krishna killing
Kansa, Krishna with Radha on the occasion of solar eclipse at
Kurukshetra and Krishna delivering the eternal message of Gita to
Arjuna. The mannequins of these tableaux are made of paper Mache
and clay.
Fifth gallery of the museum contains Thanjavur paintings
having brilliant colour scheme with an extensive use of gold leaf and
semi-precious stones. The theme of child Krishna constitutes the
main subject matter of these paintings. In this gallery, there are
several representations of Krishna theme in the distinctive Thanjavur
style.
Sixth gallery of the museum has a fine collection of
Madhubani paintings on paper. On the parapet wall, one finds eight
such murals with a suitable background of mud wall by using a coat of
clay mixed with paper pulp on ply board. These panels show a
sequence of major events of Krishna’s life from his birth to the
episode of Kansa killing (Vadha). Opposite to the panels of
Madhubani painting is another parapet wall that displays patachitras,
folk painting of Orissa depicting the scenes from the Mahabharata
and Harivamsa Purana.
Culture
Around Kurukshetra region a civilization took shape which is
one of the longest in the course of world history. History of ancient
India opens on the land of Kurukshetra. Indian tradition regards the
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383
land of Kurukshetra as the seat of creation and the cradle of Indian
culture and civilization.. The fabric of Hindu mythology is woven
around Gods, most of whom are associated with Kurukshetra in one
way or the other. The valleys of the sacred rivers Saraswati and
Drishdwati resounded with the first chanting of vedic hymens and
witnessed evolution of moral and ethical values. The region was
considered as a source of great spiritual benefit because of the divine
sacrifices which were performed here.
The Puranic tradition mentions the spiritual and material
advancement of the region under the Kurus. The Vamanapurana
describes the courage, intensive devotion and asceticism of Kuru and
elaborates on the king’s cultivation of the eight-fold ethical conduct of
austerity (tapas), truth (Satys), forgiveness, (Kshama), kindness
(daya), purity (soucha) charity (dana), yoga and continence
(brahmacharaya). By his emphasis on cultivation of moral conduct,
Kuru laid the foundation of that type of culture which was spiritual
without being unworldly and material without being avaricious. It was
this culture which was considered later on by the Manusamhita as
“worthy of emulation by humanity all over the world.” In this region
were evolved those values, norms and ideas which determined the
course of Indian society and culture across the ages.
Mahabharata makes mention about the high moral character of
the people of the region. An idea about the cultural advancement of
the people of this region can be had from the fact that even during its
decline, it was acknowledged as the home of brahminical culture
which attracted the people living in other parts of the country. The
Brahmans of this area were held in reverential awe for their
intellectual and spiritual attainments.
The archeological investigations, carried out in Kurukshetra
region have also revealed existence of four proto-historic cultures.
Around the middle of the third millennium B.C., the region had a
culture ante-dating even the well known Indus civilization and,
therefore, is termed as ‘pre-Harappan’. Later on, the same millennium
B.C. came in the Indus civilization. Early, in the second millennium
B.C, another culture, popularly designated as ‘Late Harappan’,
flourished in the region followed by the last proto-historic culture, the
Painted Greyware, in the later half of the second millennium B.C. In
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 384
addition to the explorations of hundreds of mounds, the excavations
conducted at Mirzapur and Bhagwanpura have thrown some welcome
light on these cultures.
The Department of Youth and Cultural Affairs, Kurukshetra
University organizes various Cultural Programmes. Literary Events,
Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Drama etc. for the promotion and upliftment
of culture. Various competitions like Youth Festival, Inter Zonal
Youth Festival and Haryana Day State Level Youth Festival is being
organized by Kurukshetra University. But the year of 1985 proved to
be a turning point in the history of Kurukshetra University as its
Department of Youth & Cultural Affairs conceived and executed the
idea of celebrating the Haryana Day State Level Festival spreading
over 3 days preceding immediately the 1st November. The Haryana
Day festival attracts every year more than 1500 students, artists,
teachers and professionals hailing from every nook and corner of the
state. This function is the theme Festival of Haryana State and all
items are performed in Haryanvi dialect. It is also called the
Mahakumbh of Haryanvi culture.
28th Feb. 1985 was the turning point in Haryanvi culture when
an experiment was made by presenting Haryanvi Orchestra in Tagore
Theatre at Chandigarh which was followed by many Workshops and
Seminars. This ensemble of Haryanvi folk instrument was later
nomenclatured as Haryanvi Orchestra. It was then introduced as a
competition in the Haryana Day Festival and also Youth Festival of
Kurukshetra University. Later on, the other sister Universities of the
State were also requested to start this competition.
Today, this is one of the most popular events of the youth
festival of the State. This resulted not only in popularising the
Haryanvi folk instrument but also has been able to provide respect and
earning for the Folk Instrumentalists of Haryana. From the year 2003,
another dimension has been added to the Haryana Day Festival. The
Haryanvi pop song competition has been introduced to which there
was tremendous response from the students.
Sculptures and Terracotta
Indian mythology, which is still part of living culture, grants
the place of prominence to this tract of land and the people inhabiting
it. The association of Gods and other celestial being with this region
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
385
has found expressions in sculptures, terracotta and inscriptions. The
region is full of sacred tanks and temples, some of which are very old
like those of Thanesar, Pehowa and Amin. The discovery of sculptures
and architectural remains from different ancient sites of the
Kurukshetra region suggests that there existed many temples and
shrines dedicated to various divinities. The Cakarswamin temple at
Thanesar houses a very famous idol of Vishnu which was carried
away by Mahmud Gazni in 11th century. A stone slab depicting four
armed Ganapati with Siva and Parvati seated to his proper left,
assigned to the late Gupta period was found at Amin. From Raja
Karna-Ka- Qilla near Thanesar was recovered a small terracotta
mould for casting figures of Sri, the Goddess of prosperity, and the
lower half of a terracotta relief which might have represented Siva and
Parvati standing side by side. Among the inscriptions, the one from
the Garibnath temple at Pehowa, of Samvat 276, records the
construction of temple of Yajna-Varaha. An undated Prasasti of the
time of Mahendrapala from the same place mentions the creation of
triple temples of Vishnu by three brothers. The sculptural remains of
the temples reveal a massive chakra and gada indicating the size of
the figures of Vishnu while its side panels depict Siva-Parvati and
Brahma-Saraswati. The sculptures show maturity in form and
expression. Among other remains at Pehowa, mention may be made of
a door frame now fixed at the nearly mound of Vishvamitra tirtha is a
beautiful carving in sandstone depicting the three River Goddesses
Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati. Some unidentified images were
discovered by Rodgers at village Bhor Saidan. Two inscribed red
sandstone railing pillars assigned to the Sunga Kushana period have
been discovered at Amin. The possibility of the existence of the
temples of Sun God at Kurukshetra and its vicinity has been attested
by the discovery of many Kundas. Two Kundas and two temples at
Amin are dedicated to Aditi and Surya.
Under the Pratihara-Tomara rule, Thanesar developed into a
centre of lithic art. Earlier, the poet Bana has also referred to the
sculptors busy chiseling and carrying stone for building purposes.
Hinduism was then the most popular form of religion as is attested by
the discovery of several pieces of sculptures from the region. A few
belonging to this period were discovered near the Faridkot Memorial
at Thanesar. This group of sculptures contains the images of Siva-
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 386
Parvati, Vishnu Seshasayi, a miniature temple and a Yoni surrounded
by attending deities. Another four armed Vishnu image seen in the
Sthanishwara Mahadev temple at Thanesar is remarkable for its
balanced form and symmetrical composition. Other sculptural pieces
recovered from Thanesar are Varaha (or Boar incarnation of Vishnu)
on a small panel, Isana, Surya and Rewata. A temple complex of the
Gurjara Pratihara period from the mound of Sakhaji-ka -Tilla and a
fine sculpture of Vrishavahana Uma Mahesvara of the same period
have been recovered from village Bahari. One image of six headed
Kartikeya, assignable to c. 10th Century A.D. has been recovered from
Thanesar. Of the Sakta images, the sculptures of Parvati, Durga and
Chamunda have been recovered from the region. The Mahisarumardini
images recovered one each from Pehowa and Thanesar belong to c.
9th Century A.D. Pehowa has also yielded a Boar-headed Simhavahini
assignable to c. 8th-9
th century A.D. A stone slab bearing a four armed
seated figure of Ganesha with Siva and Parvati belonging to later
Gupta period was found at Amin. Some remains of Jain sculptures
have also been recovered from the district.
Some terracotta figurines and plaques recovered from a
number of sites furnish valuable information regarding art. These
figurines represent deities, human beings and animal forms. The
excavations at Raja Karan -Ka -Qilla have brought to light a variety of
hand modeled or moulded figurines fashioned in the typical style of
the Maurya, Sungha and Kusana periods. The plaques discovered
from several sites depict different scenes and figures. The terracotta
plaque of the Gupta period from Asthipur site at Thanesar depicts two
persons fighting each other. A terracotta plaque from Pehowa shows a
royal person in the typical Gupta style. Another terracotta plaque from
Pehowa depicts a gate keeper (Dwarpal). The plaque belongs to
c.4th -5
th Century A.D.
Various other finds such as household objects, ornaments,
tools, weapons, pottery etc. and the structural remains usually
encountered in the excavations throw valuable light on the material
culture of pre-historic period.
Literature
The district has been a great centre of literary activities from
the ancient period. The bulk of Vedic literature was composed by
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387
great seers in their Ashrams located on the banks of the sacred river
Saraswati. Rig Veda, the oldest work in the world, was composed in
this region. It is very difficult to determine the age of the Vedas and
the time when these were actually composed, as scholars differ on this
issue. While according to Max Muller, Vedas were composed before
1000 B.C., Lokmanya Tilak puts the period 6000 B.C. Yet many other
scholars are of the view that Vedas were composed between 2000 and
2500 B.C. A little later, when Sanskrit language developed in its
classical form, a lot of vedic literature by most of the Brahmanas,
Aranyakas and Vedangas were composed here. A detailed scrutiny of
the Mahabharata leaves us in no doubt that a major portion of the
great epic was also composed here. About this time, Lord Krishna
recited the Gita at Kurukshetra and Manu wrote his great Smriti
(Manusmriti) sitting on the banks of the Saraswati at Prithudaka
(Pehowa).
A lot of Sanskrit literature was also composed here in the post-
Mahabharta period, the time of the Guptas and the Pushpabhutis being
especially productive. The bulk of the Puranas were composed here
in this period. These were followed by three dramas of Harsha the
scholar-king of Thanesar i.e. Ratnawali, Priyadarshini and
Naganandam. These dramas are rated as the best in Sanskrit literature,
those of Kalidasa being an exception. Of course, Bana the court poet
of Harsha was also a great scholar like his master; his two works
Harshacharita and Kadambari occupy a prestigious place in
contemporary literature.
Continued onslaughts of Muslim invaders from the
11th century A.D. onwards, destroyed the age-old socio-cultural fabric
of the district and adversely affected its literary traditions. In the area
where bulk of Sanskrit literature was composed during ancient period,
we hardly find mention of any renowned literary figure of Sanskrit
literature during mediaeval period. However, the district became a
centre of Persian literature during this period. Some of the renowned
figures of Persian literature were either born here or composed their
works. In this regard, mention may be made of Ahmad Thanesari,
who was a learned man and author of several works in Persian and
Arabic. He worked as letter writer in the court of Firuz Shah. Sheikh
Abdul Qudis who lived in the reign of Humayun, was a great author
and scholar. He wrote a learned treatise in Persian on Muslim
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 388
theology which is available in published form under the title Mystical
Saying of Abdul Qudis. Hazi Sultan of Thanesar was also a man of
great literary wisdom. He was a great poet and a scholar. He knew
Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian. He was a contemporary of Akbar who
appointed him as a Kirori of Thanesar. He is reported to have
translated Mahabharata into Persian under the title “Book of Wars”.
He was a profound and meticulous scholar. His other contemporary
was Sheikh Abul Fatah of Thanesar who was profound scholar and
authored several works not known to us today. Shah Miran Ji of
Thaska village belonging to 17th Century was a great Sufi poet.
In Kurukshetra and its adjoining area, there was also the
development of early Hindi literature which had its origin in prakrit
works of the early medieval Jain authors and in the writings of the
religious leaders of Siddha and Nath sects. Pehowa was one of the
chief centres of Nath order in this region. Rup Chand Pande of village
Salempur wrote a number of works (between A.D. 1623 and 1637) on
Jain philosophy and religion. Ramkavi of Gharaunda (17th century)
who later on settled in Thanesar produced a number of works on
religious theme.
Kurukshetra has also remained a centre of Nirmala sect of the
Sikhs. Bhai Gulab Singh of this sect was an author of reputed and
composed nearly 25 works on spiritual theme between Samvat 1834 to
1846. Prominent among his works are Bhavarsamrata Mokshapantha
Prakasha, Adhyatma Ramayana, Karmavipaka and Prabodha
Chandrodaya.
The literary traditions in the district were continued in the
succeeding period by a number of scholars and poets. Umadas of
Thanesar-one of the scholars employed by Patiala State for the
translation of the Mahabharata into Hindi (five parvas) and the author
of numerous works including the one titled “Kurukshetra Mahatmya”
and Jafar Khan of Thanesar whose two works Tarikh-i-Ajaba and
Tarikh-i-Ajib of 1884 deserve mention. Among others who made their
contribution to Hindi literature during 19th Century were Dharma
Singh, Atma Singh, Jai Ram, Ram Singh, Garud Dhwaj and
Brahmanand.
The district also made its contribution towards growth of Urdu
literature. Sayyad Inayat Ali of Thanesar is said to have written eight
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389
books in Urdu. Among contemporary Urdu writers, Bal Krishan
Muztar has his own place. The district has also enriched the Haryanvi
folk lore. A Muslim poet Ahmad Baksh of Thanesar wrote Ramayan
in Haryanvi dialect. This has been edited by Bal Krishan Muztar and
published by Haryana Sahitya Akademi.
In recent times, a Sanskrit scholar from Thanesar Late Pandit
Sthanu Dutt Sharma was honored by Haryana Government and the
President of India for his services to Sanskrit language and literature.
Architecture
The district has also made its mark in the field of architecture.
Architectural development in the district covers a long period. The
earliest remains of the builder’s are those of the pre-historic
settlements. Some excavations carried out in the district testify the fact
that there were set patterns of habitats in Harappan and post-Harappan
periods.
During ancient period, temples and palaces reflected the
architecture of the time. Bana Bhat throws valuable light on the city
planning and architecture during 7th Century A.D. The description in
Harishcharita refers to Prabhakar Vardhana’s capital Sthaniswara,
where houses appear to have been single or multi-storeyed, white
washed or plastered with stucco. There is reference to the polishing of
mosia floors of red lead, apparently in the King’s palace, as well as to
the painting pictures on the walls. Rest houses, gardens and fresh
water tanks were common features of a city. The city streets, apart
from the highways, seem to have been narrow and zig zag.
Bana specially mentions about elegant temples and splendid
palaces of Sthaniswara (Thanesar). Hieun Tsiang also refers to the
existence of three Buddhist monasteries and 100 Deva temples. He
testifes the existence of 200 feet high stupa to the northwest of
Thanesar. The stupa was built by Ashoka. One can still see the
remanant of a ruined fort measuring one kilometer long and 75 metre
wide mound at Thanesar. Tradition assigns the construction of the
Thanesar fort to Raja Dalip, a descendant of Kuru. Spooner states that
it was most probably founded by Harsha Vardhana. The fort is said to
have 52 towers of bastions some of which still exist. Most of the
temples were demolished by Muslim invaders from time to time and
KURUKSHETRA DISTRICT GAZETTEER 390
other buildings and historic monuments belonging to ancient period
could not survive the fury of the time. The remains of some of these
can still be seen in and around Kurukshetra.
During medieval period, building activity in the district was
deeply influenced by Persian and Mughal architecture. A few
inscriptons in Persian found in the district belonging to reigns of
Muhammad Tughlaq, Bahlol Lodi, Sikandar Lodhi and Humayun
refer to the construction of mosques by the local officers. There was
great building activity during this period. But most of the buildings
and monuments of this period are almost in ruins. Among notable
structures which have survived the fury of the time, mention may be
made of Pathariya Masjid, the tombs of Sheikh Jalal-ud-din and
Sheikh Chehali, the Madrasa and the Chiniwali Masjid.
It may be concluded that it was in religious architecture that
the genius of builders played a significant role in creating, developing
and perfecting a number of significant forms. Perhaps the highest
achievement of district architecture is seen in the temples and tanks.
With their Straight heights and dignified proportions, varied forms and
wealth of carvings the temples are most impressive structures.
Music
Music has been an integral part of cultural life of Kurukshetra
region. It has always been regarded as a major branch of fine arts. In
ancient time, almost all women of higher ranks were trained in music
and the people took delight in it. At the Royal palaces, it was the chief
source of entertainment and amusement. At the palaces, music was
commonly patronised and daily routine of the kings and princes was
inaugurated with the sound of musical instruments. Various social and
religious celebrations were unthinkable without music.
During the reign of Harsha, Thanesar was known for its
Sangitgriha. According to Bana Bhat, the city of Thanesar was the
music hall for aspirant musicians and a city of Gandharva for singers.
People in general too had interest in music. Describing the women of
Srikantha Janapada, Bana wrote that they were fond of playing on
veena.
A brief review of the cultural history would show that these
activities remained dormant in the last nearly 1000 years due to
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391
successive foreign invasions. It was only after independence that
efforts were made to revive ancient glory of this region. Establish-
ment of Kurukshetra University in 1956 was a landmark in the
cultural history of the district in post-independence period. University
has played a very significant role in creating new cultural-
consciousness in the district by laying special emphasis on the
promotion of cultural pursuits like literature, fine arts, music, dance,
drama, etc. Other educational institutions also gave prominence to
cultural activities and partake in cultural competitions and youth
festivals organized at regional and University levels. In the past few
years, literary and cultural societies have also been formed in urban
areas of the district which organize various programmes to promote
literary and cultural activities.